Spring
Having survived the winter, many plants appear from their winter slumber, light shines for a little bit longer each day the ground encourages growth and light awakens new life in the trees and the hedges of our country side.
The first of which is the gorse, or furze bush with its bright yellow flowers and unmistakably sore thorns. (Use scissors) a bunch of these flowers smells like coconut when inhaled.
Though it has many medicinal purposes it was used alongside the hawthorn as the first wines in this country.
I personally love the smell. Next on my list is the unmistakable aroma from the sweet Briar or flowering currant in mid to late spring.
In the forest the chickweed is still going strong while it’s friends wild garlic, sorrel and chervil come to life. I’ve written enough about these herbs in the past this year the elf cup mushrooms and turkey tails are out in force on dead and dying wood, the more I look the more I see.
Though there isn’t many varieties of mushrooms at this time of year in our little patch of forestry, more appear later.
Looking forward to the year ahead where in my position in the hotel, I’m looking after the herb garden an I’m taking a few of the crew with me on the journey through the year.
Follow the progress @chefpaulc on the usual places
traleeculinarygangsters 